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July 11, 2007

rivals

Sony’s VAIO riding the MacBook wave

Posted Jul. 11, ’07, 9:45 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » Rivals

VAIO CRJoe Leo over at PBCentral.com was nonplussed to see that Sony’s new VAIO CR looks rather eerily like a black MacBook, down to the keyboard. Now, it’s worth noting that Sony in fact used this keyboard design on some VAIOs before it appeared in the MacBook, but I’m guessing the success of the MacBook didn’t hurt their choice to start using it on newer models.

Sony is often ranked tops in its design among PC manufacturers—granted, that’s kind of like winning the “best dressed” award at a hobo convention—but I wouldn’t be surprised to see this keyboard design make its way into more and more notebook computers. Frankly, I’ve been a big fan of the MacBook’s keyboard ever since I started using it, and typing on other keyboards seems wrong now somehow. That may explain the rumor that a MacBook-style keyboard will be rolled out with the next iMac…


6 Comments

Paul Author Profile Page said:

Hold on. Didn't Apple hire ex-Sony engineers for laptop design?

Yup - they did. http://www.engadget.com/2005/07/30/apple-recruiting-sony-vaio-engineers-to-build-the-first-intel/

July 11, 2007 10:10 AM
Nick Savage said:

I was in a Staples near my house recently, and as soon as I walked in, I wanted to go look at the Macs (even though I already have a MacBook, but whatever). When I entered the computer section, I saw this, and I could've sworn it was a MacBook. It was actually the white one that I thought was a MacBook, but same idea.

July 11, 2007 10:32 AM
Dennys said:

After the rumors of new Imacs, came across the Sony VGCLS30E at Costco. As owner of a 24" Imac, I was impressed.

July 11, 2007 10:48 AM
salsa said:

"Nonplussed" is a cool sounding word, but I do not think it means what you think it means...;)
http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19991221
Nothing utterly perplexing about it at all-- it's just a rip off, totally understandable.

July 11, 2007 11:31 AM
Dan Moren Author Profile Page said:

@salsa: Hmm, OS X's dictionary says "surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react." Admittedly, my usage was a bit on the hyperbolic side, but I assure you, I'm fully licensed for that. ;)

July 11, 2007 11:57 AM
Michael L. said:

I recently switched to a MacBook, and I love the keyboard. It reminds me (don't laugh) of my old Apple //c, which was great for fast typing.

July 12, 2007 6:43 AM

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